Seat
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing seat designs with aroma diffusers lack easy replacement and attachment mechanisms for cartridges, leading to difficulties in switching between different functions and types, and often result in the cartridge being forgotten to close or coming off.
A seat design with a headrest featuring a cartridge mounting section behind the user's head, allowing easy attachment and detachment from the rear or top, multiple mounting portions, a cover to keep the opening closed, a biasing member to prevent forgetting, and a shutter to control airflow through the cartridge, along with claw portions to secure the cartridge in place.
Facilitates easy replacement and switching of cartridges, prevents the cartridge from coming off, ensures the opening is closed when not in use, and allows selective activation of functions, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a seat having a seat cushion, a seat back and a headrest. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, a known seat includes a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and an aroma diffuser that can be attached to and detached from the headrest of the seat body (Patent Document 1). With this technology, by attaching the aroma diffuser to the headrest, scented air can be blown out from the air outlet of the headrest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-195429 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] Incidentally, it is desirable that the cartridge that is detachable from the sheet body, as in the prior art fragrance devices, be easily replaceable.
[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sheet that allows easy replacement of the cartridge. Another object is to make it easier to attach and detach the cartridge. Another purpose is to switch the cartridge to be used. Another object is to keep the opening of the cartridge mounting portion closed. Another object is to prevent forgetting to close the cover. Another object is to prevent the attached cartridge from coming off. Another object is to switch whether or not to use the cartridge functions. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A seat for achieving the above-mentioned object comprises a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back, and a headrest, and a cartridge that is detachable from the seat body, wherein the headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing in air, a cartridge mounting section to which the cartridge is detachably mounted, and a fan inside the headrest that forms an airflow from the air intake through the cartridge mounting section toward the air outlet, wherein the cartridge is capable of being passed through the cartridge mounting section when mounted in the cartridge mounting section, and the cartridge mounting section is located in a portion of the headrest that is located behind the head of the seated person.
[0007] According to this configuration, the cartridge mounting portion is disposed in a portion of the headrest that is located behind the head of the seated occupant, so that the cartridge can be easily replaced.
[0008] In the above-described sheet, the cartridge can be configured to be mountable from behind or above the cartridge mounting portion.
[0009] This makes it easier to attach and detach the cartridge.
[0010] In the above-described seat, the headrest may be configured to have a plurality of the cartridge mounting portions.
[0011] This allows multiple cartridges with different functions and types to be attached to the headrest, making it possible to switch between cartridges according to the situation or preference without replacing them, within the number of cartridge attachment sections.
[0012] In the above-described seat, the cartridge mounting portion can have an opening for mounting the cartridge, and the headrest can have a cover that can move between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening.
[0013] According to this, when the device is used without a cartridge attached, the opening of the cartridge attachment portion can be kept closed by the cover.
[0014] In the above-described seat, the headrest may have a biasing member that biases the cover toward the closed position.
[0015] According to this, when the cartridge is removed, the opening of the cartridge mounting portion can be automatically closed by the cover, thereby preventing the user from forgetting to close the cover.
[0016] In the above-described sheet, the cartridge mounting portion may have a claw portion that holds the cartridge in a mounted state.
[0017] This can prevent the attached cartridge from coming off the cartridge attachment portion.
[0018] In the above-mentioned sheet, the cartridge can be configured to have a ventilation section that connects the inside and outside of the cartridge, and that allows airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section when the cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting section to pass through.
[0019] In the above-described sheet, the cartridge mounting portion may have a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation portion.
[0020] By opening and closing the shutter, the airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section can be switched between passing through the ventilation section of the cartridge and not passing through the ventilation section, so it is possible to switch whether or not to use the cartridge function. Also, in a configuration with multiple cartridge mounting sections, the cartridge to be used can be switched by switching the open / closed state of the shutter for each cartridge mounting section.
[0021] In the above-described seat, the headrest may be configured to have a first duct that connects the intake port and the cartridge mounting portion, and a second duct that connects the cartridge mounting portion and the air outlet.
[0022] In the sheet, the cartridge may have at least one of a fragrance source, a temperature regulator, an ion generator, and an air purifier. [Effects of the Invention]
[0023] According to the present invention, the cartridge can be easily replaced.
[0024] Furthermore, by making it possible to mount the cartridge from behind or above the cartridge mounting portion, the cartridge can be easily mounted and removed.
[0025] Furthermore, by providing a configuration with a plurality of cartridge mounting portions, it becomes possible to switch between cartridges to be used.
[0026] Furthermore, by providing a cover that opens and closes the opening of the cartridge mounting portion, the opening of the cartridge mounting portion can be kept closed by the cover.
[0027] Furthermore, by providing a biasing member that biases the cover to the closed position, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to close the cover.
[0028] Furthermore, by providing a claw portion for holding the cartridge, it is possible to prevent the attached cartridge from coming off.
[0029] Furthermore, by providing a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation portion of the cartridge, it is possible to switch whether or not to use the functions of the cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a headrest. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a headrest. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cartridge mounting portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] These are cross-sectional views of the cartridge mounting section, with (a) showing the cartridge mounted state, (b) showing the cover in the closed position, (c) showing the cover in the open position, and (d) showing the XX cross section of (a). [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are perspective views of a cartridge. [Figure 7] 1A to 1D are cross-sectional views showing specific examples of the configuration of the cartridge. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the shutter, in which FIG. 1A shows the shutter in a fully closed position, and FIG. 1B shows the shutter in a fully open position. [Figure 9] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a shutter drive mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the seat. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cartridge mounting portion of a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a cartridge mounting portion of a second embodiment, showing a state in which the cover is in a closed position, and FIG. 10B shows a state in which the cover is in an open position. [Figure 13]10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the shutter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Next, a description will be given of the first embodiment. In this specification, the terms front, back, left, right, top and bottom refer to the front, back, left, right, top and bottom as seen from the perspective of a person sitting in the seat (seat occupant). As shown in FIG. 1, the seat according to the embodiment is configured as a vehicle seat to be mounted on a vehicle, specifically as a vehicle seat S to be mounted on an automobile.
[0032] The vehicle seat S includes a seat body S0 on which a person sits and a cartridge C that is detachably attached to the seat body S0. The seat body S0 has a seat cushion S1, a seat back S2, and a headrest S3. The cartridge C is detachably attached to the headrest S3 of the seat body S0.
[0033] The headrest S3 has an air outlet A1 and an air intake A2. The air outlet A1 is an opening for blowing air out from inside the headrest S3, and the air intake A2 is an opening for drawing air into the headrest S3.
[0034] The air outlet A1 and the air intake A2 are arranged on either side of the occupant's head when viewed from the front. Specifically, the air outlet A1 is arranged on one side of the occupant's head, and the air intake A2 is arranged on the other side of the occupant's head. Specifically, the air outlet A1 is arranged on the left side of the occupant's head, and the air intake A2 is arranged on the right side of the occupant's head.
[0035] When another vehicle seat (not shown) is disposed to the left or right of the vehicle seat S, it is desirable that the air outlet A1 be disposed on the side where the other vehicle seat is located in the left-right direction, and the air intake A2 be disposed on the side opposite to the side where the other vehicle seat is located in the left-right direction. Specifically, when another vehicle seat is disposed to the left of the vehicle seat S, it is desirable that the air outlet A1 be disposed on the left side, and the air intake A2 be disposed on the right side. Furthermore, when another vehicle seat is disposed to the right of the vehicle seat S, it is desirable that the air outlet A1 be disposed on the right side, and the air intake A2 be disposed on the left side.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the headrest S3 has a cartridge accommodating section 10, a first duct 20, a second duct 30, a fan 40, a control unit 50, a first cable 61, and a second cable 62 inside.
[0037] As shown in Fig. 3, the cartridge accommodating section 10 is a section that accommodates the cartridge C attached to the headrest S3. The cartridge accommodating section 10 has a cartridge mounting section 100 to which the cartridge C is detachably attached. The cartridge mounting section 100 is provided in an exposed state on the rear surface of the headrest S3. The cartridge mounting section 100 will be described in detail later.
[0038] The first duct 20 is a duct that connects the intake port A2 and the cartridge mounting portion 100. Air sucked in through the intake port A2 (see the arrow indicated by the dashed line) passes through the first duct 20 and flows into the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and further into the cartridge mounting portion 100. The first duct 20 is connected to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The first duct 20 includes a first pipe portion 21, one end of which is connected to the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and a second pipe portion 22 that extends from the other end of the first pipe portion 21 toward the intake port A2 of the headrest S3.
[0039] The second duct 30 is a duct that communicates between the cartridge mounting portion 100 and the air outlet A1. Air in the cartridge mounting portion 100 passes through the cartridge accommodating portion 10 and the second duct 30 and is blown out from the air outlet A1. The second duct 30 is connected to the cartridge accommodating portion 10. The second duct 30 includes a third pipe portion 31, one end of which is connected to the cartridge accommodating portion 10, and a fourth pipe portion 32 that extends from the other end of the third pipe portion 31 toward the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.
[0040] The fan 40 is a fan that generates an airflow inside the headrest S3 that flows from the air intake port A2 through the cartridge mounting portion 100 toward the air outlet A1. In other words, the fan 40 generates an airflow from the air outlet A1 toward the air intake port A2 on the front side of the headrest S3. In this embodiment, only one fan 40 is provided inside the headrest S3. The fan 40 is disposed inside the first duct 20. More specifically, the fan 40 is disposed at the outer left and right ends of the first pipe portion 21, near the connection portion between the first pipe portion 21 and the second pipe portion 22. The fan 40 is disposed to face the air intake port A2.
[0041] 2, the control unit 50 is a unit for controlling the fan 40, the cartridge C, etc. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 is disposed below the cartridge receiving portion 10.
[0042] The first cable 61 is a cable that connects the fan 40 and the control unit 50. One end of the first cable 61 is connected to the fan 40, and the other end is connected to the control unit 50. The first cable 61 is arranged along the first pipe portion 21 of the first duct 20 and the cartridge accommodating portion 10.
[0043] The second cable 62 is a cable that connects the control unit 50 with a device provided outside the headrest S3. The second cable 62 is, for example, a cable for supplying power to the control unit 50 and the like, and includes a cable that connects the control unit 50 with a battery (not shown) mounted on the vehicle body. The second cable 62 passes through the inside of one of the headrest pillars S31 and is drawn out to the outside of the headrest S3.
[0044] 3, the headrest S3 has a plurality of cartridge mounting portions 100. Specifically, the headrest S3 has three cartridge mounting portions 100. One cartridge C is detachably mounted in each cartridge mounting portion 100.
[0045] The three cartridge mounting sections 100 are arranged side by side on the left and right. The three cartridge mounting sections 100 include a first cartridge mounting section 100A, a second cartridge mounting section 100B, and a third cartridge mounting section 100C. In this embodiment, the first cartridge mounting section 100A is the cartridge mounting section 100 located on the rightmost side, and the third cartridge mounting section 100C is the cartridge mounting section 100 located on the leftmost side. The second cartridge mounting section 100B is the cartridge mounting section 100 located between the first cartridge mounting section 100A and the third cartridge mounting section 100C.
[0046] The cartridge mounting units 100 (100A, 100B, 100C) are disposed in a portion of the headrest S3 that is located behind the head H of the seated occupant P. More specifically, the cartridge mounting units 100 are disposed in a portion of the headrest S3 that supports the head H of the seated occupant P from behind. Specifically, the cartridge mounting units 100 are disposed in the center of the headrest S3 in the left-right direction. The cartridge mounting units 100 are disposed behind the center of the headrest S3 in the left-right direction.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, each cartridge mounting portion 100 has a mounting opening 110, a cover 120, and a pair of left and right claw portions 130. The mounting opening 110 is an opening for mounting the cartridge C to the cartridge mounting portion 100. The mounting opening 110 is open toward the rear, so that the cartridge C can be mounted into the mounting opening 110 of the cartridge mounting portion 100 from the rear.
[0048] The cover 120 is a cover for opening and closing the mounting opening 110. The cover 120 is movable between an open position shown in FIG. 5(c) in which the mounting opening 110 is open, and a closed position shown in FIG. 5(b) in which the mounting opening 110 is closed. Specifically, the cover 120 is slidable up and down between the open position and the closed position. The cover 120 has a cover main body 121 that opens and closes the mounting opening 110, and a knob 122 that is gripped when sliding the cover 120 up and down. The knob 122 extends rearward from the center of the left and right of the lower end of the rear surface of the cover main body 121 (see also FIG. 4).
[0049] Figure 5(d) is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line XX in Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5(d), the claw portion 130 is a portion that holds the cartridge C when the cartridge C is attached to the cartridge attachment portion 100. The left and right claw portions 130 are provided with a predetermined gap between them. The left and right claw portions 130 are provided above the attachment opening 110. Each of the left and right claw portions 130 has an arm portion 131 that extends rearward and an engagement portion 132 that protrudes inwardly to the left and right from the rear end of the arm portion 131. The left and right claw portions 130 are configured so that the arm portions 131 elastically bend outwardly to the left and right when the cartridge C is attached or detached.
[0050] When mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, the cover 120 is in the closed position shown in Fig. 5(b) by pinching the knob 122 and sliding the cover 120 to the open position shown in Fig. 5(c). Then, with the cover 120 held in the open position, the cartridge C is mounted from the rear into the mounting opening 110. Then, as shown in Figs. 5(a) and (d), the cartridge C can be mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 100 by mounting it to a position where it is held by the claw portions 130.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the cartridge C has a cartridge body 210, a first extending portion 220, and a second extending portion 230.
[0052] The cartridge body 210 is substantially box-shaped. The cartridge body 210 has ventilation sections 240 on left and right side surfaces 211, 212, respectively. The ventilation sections 240 are sections that communicate between the inside and outside of the cartridge C, more specifically, the inside and outside of the cartridge body 210, and are breathable. As one example, the ventilation sections 240 have a structure in which openings 213 formed on the left and right side surfaces 211, 212 of the cartridge body 210 are covered with breathable mesh 241.
[0053] Note that the specific configuration of the ventilation part 240 is not limited to this. For example, the ventilation part 240 may be formed by the opening 213 without being covered with the mesh 241. Furthermore, the number of openings on each of the side surfaces 211, 212 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, the left and right walls of the cartridge body 210 may be formed in a mesh or lattice pattern, thereby forming multiple openings (through holes) that communicate between the inside and outside of the cartridge body 210. Furthermore, the multiple openings may be covered with mesh. Furthermore, the ventilation part 240 may be formed not only on the side surfaces 211, 212 of the cartridge body 210, but also on, for example, the upper surface.
[0054] The cartridge C has the ventilation section 240, which allows airflow passing through the cartridge mounting section 100 to pass through when the cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 100 (see FIG. 3).
[0055] The first extending portion 220 is a portion that extends upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the cartridge body 210. A hole 221 is formed in the first extending portion 220, into which the knob 122 of the cover 120 fits when the cartridge C is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100 (see FIG. 4). Furthermore, when the cartridge C is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100, the claw portion 130 of the cartridge mounting portion 100 holds the first extending portion 220 (see FIG. 5(d)).
[0056] The second extending portion 230 is a portion that extends forward from the upper end of the front surface of the first extending portion 220. As shown in Fig. 5(a), when the cartridge C is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100, the second extending portion 230 sandwiches the rear wall of the cartridge mounting portion 100 between itself and the cartridge body 210.
[0057] Next, some specific examples of the configuration (function) of the cartridge C will be described. As a first example, as shown in FIG. 7(a), cartridge C has fragrance source 310 in cartridge body 210. Fragrance source 310 is a device for adding fragrance to the air passing through cartridge C. As an example, fragrance source 310 includes scented beads 311 and case 312 that houses beads 311. Case 312 is breathable. Note that the specific configuration of fragrance source 310 is not limited to this. For example, instead of beads 311, it may have a structure that includes a sheet of paper or the like that is impregnated with a fragrance.
[0058] As a second example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the cartridge C has a temperature regulator 320 in the cartridge body 210. The temperature regulator 320 is a device that changes the temperature of the air passing through the cartridge C by cooling or heating the air passing through the cartridge C. As an example, the temperature regulator 320 includes a Peltier element 321. The Peltier element 321 has the function of cooling or heating the air passing through the cartridge C.
[0059] It should be noted that the specific configuration of the temperature regulator 320 is not limited to this. For example, the temperature regulator 320 may be structured to include an element having only the function of cooling the air passing through the cartridge C, or may be structured to include an element having only the function of heating the air passing through the cartridge C. Specifically, for example, the temperature regulator 320 may be structured to include a heater instead of the Peltier element 321.
[0060] As a third example, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the cartridge C has an ion generator 330 inside the cartridge body 210. The ion generator 330 is a device for adding ions to the air passing through the cartridge C. As an example, the ion generator 330 includes a needle-shaped discharge electrode 331. The discharge electrode 331 generates ions in the air when a voltage is applied.
[0061] As a fourth example, as shown in FIG. 7(d), the cartridge C has an air purifier 340 in the cartridge body 210. The air purifier 340 is a device for purifying the air passing through the cartridge C. As an example, the air purifier 340 includes an ultraviolet lamp 341. The ultraviolet lamp 341 has a function of sterilizing the air passing through the cartridge C by ultraviolet light.
[0062] Note that the specific configuration of the air purifier 340 is not limited to this. For example, the air purifier 340 may have a discharge electrode 331 as shown in FIG. 7(c), and may be configured to decompose odorous components, bacteria, and the like in the air by ions generated by applying a voltage to the discharge electrode 331. The air purifier 340 may also have a structure including a filter, activated carbon, and the like that removes dust, odorous components, bacteria, and the like from the air passing through the cartridge C. The air purifier 340 may also have a structure that combines two or more of the above-mentioned ultraviolet lamp 341, discharge electrode 331, filter, activated carbon, and the like.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 8( a ), each cartridge mounting section 100 further includes a ventilation opening 140 formed in each of the left and right side walls, and a pair of left and right shutters 150 for opening and closing the ventilation opening 140 . The ventilation opening 140 is an opening for exposing the ventilation portion 240 of the cartridge C mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 100.
[0064] The shutter 150 opens and closes the ventilation opening 140, thereby opening and closing the ventilation section 240 of the cartridge C mounted in the cartridge mounting section 100. The shutter 150 is movable between a fully closed position shown in Fig. 8(a) in which the ventilation opening 140 is fully closed, and a fully open position shown in Fig. 8(b) in which the ventilation opening 140 is fully opened. Specifically, the shutter 150 is slidable up and down between the fully closed position and the fully open position.
[0065] As shown in Figure 9(a), the headrest S3 has a shutter drive mechanism 160 for driving the shutter 150. The shutter drive mechanism 160 is provided corresponding to each of the cartridge mounting portions 100 (100A, 100B, 100C (see Figure 3)).
[0066] As an example, the shutter drive mechanism 160 includes a drive pulley 161, a driven pulley 162, an endless belt 163 stretched between the drive pulley 161 and the driven pulley 162, a motor 164 that can rotate forward and backward and drives the drive pulley 161, and a reducer (not shown) that reduces the driving force of the motor 164 and transmits it to the drive pulley 161. The shutter 150 is attached to the belt 163.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the shutter 150 is in the fully closed position, driving the motor 164 to rotate the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 164 in a first direction causes the drive pulley 161 and the belt 163 to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. This causes the shutter 150 to slide upward from the fully closed position to open the ventilation opening 140. At this time, by controlling the drive amount of the motor 164, the shutter 150 can be stopped at any position between the fully closed position and the fully open position. In other words, the opening degree of the shutter 150 can be adjusted.
[0068] 9(b) is open, and the motor 164 is driven to rotate the output shaft of the motor 164 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the drive pulley 161 and the belt 163 rotate clockwise in the figure. This causes the shutter 150 to slide downward from the open position and close the ventilation opening 140. In this case, too, by controlling the drive amount of the motor 164, the shutter 150 can be stopped at any position between the fully open position and the fully closed position.
[0069] 10, the control unit 50 has the function of controlling the fan 40, the cartridges C (C1, C2, C3) attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100, and the motors 164 (164A, 164B, 164C) of the shutter drive mechanism 160. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 can also control the ON / OFF and output of the temperature regulator 320 (see FIG. 7(b)), ion generator 330 (see FIG. 7(c)), and air purifier 340 (see FIG. 7(d)) for the cartridge C attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100.
[0070] 10, a first motor 164A is the motor 164 of the shutter drive mechanism 160 corresponding to the first cartridge mounting portion 100A, a second motor 164B is the motor 164 of the shutter drive mechanism 160 corresponding to the second cartridge mounting portion 100B, and a third motor 164C is the motor 164 of the shutter drive mechanism 160 corresponding to the third cartridge mounting portion 100C. Also, a first cartridge C1 is the cartridge C mounted in the first cartridge mounting portion 100A, a second cartridge C2 is the cartridge C mounted in the second cartridge mounting portion 100B, and a third cartridge C3 is the cartridge C mounted in the third cartridge mounting portion 100C.
[0071] An operation unit 71 and a communication unit 72 are connected to the control unit 50 . The operation unit 71 is a device that allows the seated person to operate the fan 40 to turn on / off and adjust the airflow volume, the devices included in the cartridge C to turn on / off and adjust the output, open / close the shutter 150, and adjust the opening degree of the shutter 150. The operation unit 71 includes switches, buttons, a touch panel, and the like for operating these devices. The operation unit 71 can be disposed, for example, on the left and right side surfaces of the headrest S3, on the instrument panel of the vehicle, on the door of the vehicle, etc.
[0072] The communication unit 72 is a device that enables short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc. In this embodiment, the communication unit 72 allows not only operation using the operation unit 71 but also operation of the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 using the smartphone SP or the like via application software installed on the smartphone SP or the like.
[0073] The communication unit 72 can be disposed inside the headrest S3. For example, the communication unit 72 can be disposed below the cartridge accommodating unit 10 together with the control unit 50 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the communication unit 72 can be provided outside the headrest S3, for example, in the vehicle body, and connected to the control unit 50 by the second cable 62.
[0074] The control unit 50 may be configured not only to control the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 based on the operation of the seat occupant, but also to automatically control the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 based on information input from devices located inside or outside the headrest S3.
[0075] For example, if the control unit 50 determines, based on road information input from a car navigation system installed in the vehicle, that the road ahead has many curves that make motion sickness more likely to occur, it controls the fan 40, cartridge C, and shutter 150 to make it less likely that motion sickness will occur.
[0076] As an example, when a cartridge C containing a mint-scented fragrance source 310 that is believed to be effective against motion sickness is attached, the control unit 50 opens the shutter 150 of the cartridge attachment section 100 in which the cartridge C is attached and drives the fan 40. This allows air with an added mint scent to be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3, making it less likely that motion sickness will occur.
[0077] As another example, when a cartridge C having a temperature regulator 320 is attached, the control unit 50 opens the shutter 150 of the cartridge attachment portion 100 in which the cartridge C is attached, drives the fan 40, and also drives the temperature regulator 320 to cool the air passing through the cartridge C. This allows cool air to be blown out from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3, making it less likely that motion sickness will occur.
[0078] According to the first embodiment described above, the cartridge mounting portion 100 is arranged in a portion of the headrest S3 that is located behind the head H of the seated occupant P, making it possible to easily replace the cartridge C.
[0079] Furthermore, since the cartridge C can be attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100 from the rear, it is possible to easily attach and detach the cartridge C. In particular, when there are multiple cartridge mounting portions 100 as in this embodiment, by arranging the multiple cartridge mounting portions 100 side by side, it is possible to attach and detach the cartridge C individually without first removing the other adjacent cartridges C, which makes it easy to attach and detach the cartridge C.
[0080] Furthermore, by providing a plurality of cartridge mounting units 100, a plurality of cartridges C with different functions and types can be mounted on the headrest S3. This makes it possible to switch the cartridge C to be used according to the situation, preference, etc., within the range of the number of cartridge mounting units 100, without having to replace the cartridge C.
[0081] Furthermore, by providing the cover 120 that opens and closes the mounting opening 110 of the cartridge mounting portion 100, the mounting opening 110 can be kept closed by the cover 120 when the cartridge C is not mounted and in use. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, dust and other particles from entering the cartridge mounting portion 100 through the mounting opening 110.
[0082] Furthermore, since the cartridge mounting portion 100 has the claw portion 130, the mounted cartridge C can be prevented from coming off the cartridge mounting portion 100.
[0083] Furthermore, by opening and closing the shutter 150, it is possible to switch between a state in which the airflow passing through the cartridge mounting unit 100 passes through the ventilation section 240 of the cartridge C and a state in which it does not pass through the ventilation section 240, thereby making it possible to switch whether or not to use the functions of the cartridge C. Furthermore, in a configuration having a plurality of cartridge mounting units 100 as in this embodiment, it is possible to switch the cartridge C to be used by switching the open / closed state of the shutter 150 for each cartridge mounting unit 100.
[0084] Furthermore, since the cartridge C contains the fragrance source 310, it is possible to blow out scented air from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3 by mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100. Furthermore, since the cartridge C containing the fragrance source 310 is detachable, it is possible to change the type of fragrance according to the situation, preference, etc.
[0085] Furthermore, since the cartridge C has the temperature regulator 320, by mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, it is possible to blow out temperature-adjusted air such as warm air or cool air from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.
[0086] Furthermore, since the cartridge C has the ion generator 330, by mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, it is possible to blow out air to which ions have been added from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.
[0087] Furthermore, since the cartridge C has the air purifier 340, by mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100, it is possible to blow out purified air from the air outlet A1 of the headrest S3.
[0088] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that, below, differences from the previously described embodiment will be described in detail, and explanations of the same points as the previously described embodiment will be omitted, for example, by assigning the same reference numerals to similar components.
[0089] 11, in this embodiment, the cartridge accommodating section 10 has three cartridge mounting sections 100 arranged side by side. Each cartridge mounting section 100 has a mounting opening 410 and a cover 420.
[0090] The mounting opening 410 is an opening for mounting the cartridge C in the cartridge mounting portion 100. The mounting opening 410 is open upward. As a result, in this embodiment, the cartridge C can be mounted from above into the mounting opening 410 of the cartridge mounting portion 100. Note that in this embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 100 is provided with its upper surface exposed to the outside of the headrest S3.
[0091] As shown in Fig. 12, the cover 420 is a cover for opening and closing the mounting opening 410. The cover 420 is movable between an open position shown in Fig. 12(b) in which the mounting opening 410 is open, and a closed position shown in Fig. 12(a) in which the mounting opening 410 is closed. Specifically, the cover 420 is rotatable between the open position and the closed position. As an example, the front end of the cover 420 is rotatable up and down around a rotation shaft 420A extending left and right at the rear end between the closed position shown in Fig. 12(a) and the open position shown in Fig. 12(b).
[0092] In this embodiment, the headrest S3 has a torsion spring 430 as an example of a biasing member. The torsion spring 430 is a spring that biases the cover 420 to the closed position shown in Fig. 12(a). More specifically, the torsion spring 430 is arranged so that its coil portion is wound around the rotation shaft 420A, with one end in contact with the cover 420 and the other end in contact with the wall of the cartridge mounting portion 100.
[0093] When the cartridge C is to be mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 100, as shown in Figure 12(a), the cartridge C is mounted from top to bottom into the mounting opening 410. At this time, the cover 420 is pushed by the cartridge C and rotates from the closed position to the open position, and as shown in Figure 12(b), when the cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 100, it is positioned in the open position.
[0094] 12(b) is lifted up and removed from the cartridge mounting portion 100, the cover 420 rotates from the open position toward the closed position due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 430. Then, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the cartridge C is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 100, the cover 420 is positioned at the closed position.
[0095] The second embodiment described above can also provide the same effects as the first embodiment.
[0096] Additionally, since the cartridge C can be attached to the cartridge mounting portion 100 from above, it is possible to easily attach and detach the cartridge C. In particular, when there are multiple cartridge mounting portions 100, by arranging the multiple cartridge mounting portions 100 side by side, it is possible to attach and detach the cartridge C individually without first removing the other adjacent cartridges C, which makes it easy to attach and detach the cartridges C.
[0097] Furthermore, by providing a torsion spring 430 that biases the cover 420, which opens and closes the mounting opening 410 of the cartridge mounting portion 100, to a closed position, the mounting opening 410 can be automatically closed by the cover 420 when the cartridge C is removed. This makes it possible to prevent the cover 420 from being forgotten to be closed. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent dust and other particles from entering the cartridge mounting portion 100 through the mounting opening 410.
[0098] Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be practiced by appropriately modifying it as exemplified below.
[0099] For example, the specific functions of the cartridge described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the cartridge may have functions other than those described in the above embodiment. For example, the cartridge C may have a deodorizer. The deodorizer is a device for removing odors from the air passing through the cartridge C, and includes a deodorizing filter, etc.
[0100] When a cartridge C having a deodorizer is installed, the control unit 50 measures the odor of the air inside the vehicle using an odor sensor installed in the headrest S3 or the vehicle body, and if the measurement value of the odor sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 50 may be configured to drive the fan 40 for a predetermined period of time, causing the air taken in from the intake port A2 to pass through the cartridge C and then blow it out from the outlet A1, thereby deodorizing the inside of the vehicle.
[0101] It should be noted that such a deodorizer for deodorizing the interior of the vehicle may be disposed, for example, in the first duct 20, rather than in the cartridge C. In this case, it is not necessary to mount a cartridge C having a deodorizer in the cartridge mounting portion 100, and the cartridge mounting portion 100 can be left empty for a cartridge C having another function. For the same reason, the temperature regulator 320, ion generator 330, air purifier 340, etc. of the above-described embodiments may be disposed in the first duct 20 or the second duct 30.
[0102] In addition, although the above embodiment has been described in terms of a configuration in which one cartridge has one function, this is not limiting, and one cartridge may have multiple functions. Specifically, the cartridge may have two or more devices with different functions, such as a fragrance source, a temperature regulator, an ion generator, an air purifier, and a deodorizer. For example, the cartridge may have both an ion generator and an air purifier.
[0103] In the above embodiment, the shutter 150 that slides up and down is exemplified as the shutter that opens and closes the ventilation part of the cartridge, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c), the shutter 450 may have a plurality of blades 451 like a so-called louver, and may be configured to open and close the ventilation opening 140 (the ventilation part of the cartridge C) by changing the direction of the blades 451. Alternatively, a configuration without a shutter is also possible.
[0104] In addition, in the above embodiment, the headrest S3 is configured to have three cartridge mounting portions 100, but this is not limited to this. For example, the headrest may be configured to have two cartridge mounting portions, or may be configured to have four or more cartridge mounting portions. Furthermore, the headrest may be configured to have only one cartridge mounting portion 100.
[0105] In the second embodiment, the torsion spring 430 is used as an example of a biasing member that biases the cover 420 to the closed position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the biasing member may be a compression coil spring, a tension coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like. Also, as in the first embodiment, a configuration without a biasing member may be used.
[0106] Furthermore, although the first embodiment exemplifies a sliding cover 120 and the second embodiment exemplifies a pivoting cover 420, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cover may be detachable from the cartridge mounting portion, closing the opening when attached to the cartridge mounting portion and opening the opening when removed from the cartridge mounting portion. The cover may also be formed from a part of the headrest skin that covers the frame and cushioning of the headrest. Alternatively, the present invention may be configured without a cover.
[0107] In addition, in the first embodiment, the cartridge C is configured to be mountable from the rear into the cartridge mounting portion 100, and in the second embodiment, the cartridge C is configured to be mountable from the top into the cartridge mounting portion 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the cartridge may be configured to be mountable from the left or right into the cartridge mounting portion.
[0108] In a configuration in which the cartridge can be installed from the rear, the cartridge installation / removal direction may be parallel to the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction), or may be slightly tilted up, down, left, or right with respect to the front-to-rear direction (horizontal direction). In a configuration in which the cartridge can be installed from above, the cartridge installation / removal direction may be parallel to the up-down direction (vertical direction), or may be slightly tilted up, down, up, down, or right with respect to the up-down direction (vertical direction). In a configuration in which the cartridge can be installed from the left or right, the cartridge installation / removal direction may be parallel to the left-to-right direction (horizontal direction), or may be slightly tilted up, down, up, down, or right with respect to the left-to-right direction (horizontal direction).
[0109] Furthermore, the specific configuration of the claw portion that holds the cartridge is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. For example, in the first embodiment, the claw portion 130 is provided in a state where it is exposed to the outside of the cartridge mounting portion 100, but this is not limited thereto, and the claw portion may be provided inside the cartridge mounting portion. Also, as in the second embodiment, a configuration without a claw portion may be used.
[0110] In the above embodiment, the fan 40 is disposed in the first duct 20, but this is not limiting. For example, the fan may be disposed in the second duct 30 or in the cartridge receiving section 10. In the above embodiment, the headrest S3 includes only one fan 40, but this is not limiting, and the headrest may include multiple fans. For example, the headrest may include two fans, one of which is disposed in the first duct and the other in the second duct. For example, multiple fans may be disposed in the first duct, or multiple fans may be disposed in the second duct.
[0111] In addition, in the above embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 100, the first duct 20, and the second duct 30 are provided separately, but this is not limiting. For example, the cartridge mounting portion, the first duct, and the second duct may be configured as an integrated unit.
[0112] In the above embodiment, the cartridge mounting portion 100 is provided in a state where it is exposed to the outside, but this is not limiting. For example, the cartridge mounting portion may be normally covered by a part of the surface of the headrest, and may be provided so as to be exposed when the cartridge is mounted.
[0113] In the above embodiment, the seat cushion S1, the seat back S2, and the headrest S3 are provided separately, but this is not limiting. For example, the seat may be one in which the seat back and the headrest are integrated. Alternatively, the seat may be one in which the seat cushion and the seat back are integrated. Alternatively, the seat may be one in which the seat cushion, the seat back, and the headrest are all integrated.
[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the seat is exemplified as a vehicle seat S to be installed in an automobile, but the seat may also be a vehicle seat to be installed in vehicles other than automobiles, such as a railway vehicle, a ship, an airplane, etc. Furthermore, the seat is not limited to a vehicle seat, and may also be a seat used in, for example, an amusement facility, a relaxation facility, or at home.
[0115] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]
[0116] 20 First Duct 30 Second Duct 40 fans 100 Cartridge mounting section 110 Mounting opening 120 Cover 130 Claw 150 Shutter 240 Ventilation section 310 Fragrance source 320 Temperature regulator 330 Ion Generator 340 Air Purifier A1 Air outlet A2 air intake C Cartridge H head P seated person S seat S0 seat body S1 seat cushion S2 seat back S3 Headrest
Claims
1. A seat comprising a seat body having a seat cushion, a seat back and a headrest, and a cartridge that is detachable from the seat body, The headrest has an air outlet for blowing out air, an air intake for drawing in air, a cartridge mounting section into which the cartridge is detachably attached, and a fan inside the headrest that forms an airflow from the air intake towards the air outlet. A ventilation passage is formed inside the headrest through which the airflow from the air intake to the air outlet passes. The sheet is characterized in that the ventilation passage has a portion that passes in front of the cartridge mounting portion.
2. The seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the portion of the ventilation passage that passes in front of the cartridge mounting portion is located in the center in the front-rear direction of the headrest.
3. The seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the headrest is configured such that the airflow from the air intake to the air outlet flows from the ventilation passage into the cartridge mounting section and flows from the cartridge mounting section into the ventilation passage.
4. The cartridge mounting portion has an opening for mounting the cartridge, The headrest has a cover that is movable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening. The cover has a knob that is grasped when the cover is moved, The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cartridge has a hole into which the knob of the cover, which is in the open position, enters when it is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
5. The cartridge comprises a cartridge body, a first extension extending upward from the rear end of the upper surface of the cartridge body, and a second extension extending forward from the upper end of the front surface of the first extension, The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second extension portion sandwiches the rear wall of the cartridge mounting portion between itself and the cartridge body when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
6. The headrest has a control unit, The sheet according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit is positioned on the side opposite to the side on which the second extension portion is located relative to the cartridge body when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
7. The cartridge mounting portion has an opening for mounting the cartridge and a claw portion for holding the cartridge in the mounted state, The headrest has a cover that is movable between an open position that opens the opening and a closed position that closes the opening. The cover has a knob that is grasped when the cover is moved, The sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the knob is positioned below the claw portion when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion.
8. The cartridge has a ventilation portion that connects the inside and outside of the cartridge, and the ventilation portion is capable of passing airflow through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. The cartridge mounting section has a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation section. The headrest has a control unit, The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit determines, based on road information, that the road is prone to causing motion sickness, and that the cartridge having a mint fragrance source is installed, opens the shutter and drives the fan.
9. The cartridge has a ventilation portion that connects the inside and outside of the cartridge, and the ventilation portion is capable of passing through the airflow passing through the cartridge mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion. The cartridge mounting section has a shutter that opens and closes the ventilation section. The headrest has a control unit, The seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, when the control unit determines, based on road information, that the road is one on which motion sickness is likely to occur, and the cartridge having a temperature controller is installed, it opens the shutter, drives the fan, and drives the temperature controller to cool the air passing through the cartridge.